Leevorn Elias

Leevorn (Lee) Elias passed away peacefully on August 8, 2024 in her home in Elk Grove, California. She enjoyed life, loved being pampered (if she could get away with it), having a good time, being involved with friends, and surrounded by family. The most important thing in life to Lee was family. Lee believed we eventually pass on from this life but we live on eternally according to God's will, our deeds, and the legacy we leave behind.

Lee was born on July 19, 1942 to the union of the late Edward and Mary Parrish in Lake Providence, Louisiana and grew up in San Jose, California. She was the fifth of seven children. Her surviving siblings are Virginia Kirby, Queen Ann Cannon, Shirley and Bobby Parrish. Nathaniel (Pat) and Edward (Junior) Parrish preceded her in death.

To carry on her legacy, Lee was blessed with three wonderful children: Esia Davis (Maurice), Stephen Barnes (Elena) and Colleen Renee Washington. Renee preceded Lee in death. Lee also had an adoring foster son, Larry Weldon, who preceded her in death. Lee's three children blessed her with twelve grandchildren, which she cherished very much: Myli and Akiro Davis. Mukari, Kili, Jeremiah Black, Chief, Seven, Mousa and Ali Barnes. Najee and Elijah Thomas and Michael Washington-Poindexter. Lee also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Lee graduated from San Jose High School and went on to earn her Associates Degree from Evergreen Community College in San Jose, California and her Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Work from Sacramento, California State University. Though Lee was a true San Josean at heart, she moved with her youngest daughter, Renee, to Sacramento to further their education, both receiving their bachelors degree on the same day. Throughout her life, Lee worked for various employers but some of the more significant and memorable ones were IBM, Castle and Cooke, and Francis House Center.

Lee, while living in San Jose, California was actively involved in her local community, primarily promoting and advocating for African-American interests. She was a member of South Bay Martin Luther King (MLK) Planning and Election Committee for 20 years and helped plan several annual MLK luncheons with 800-900 people in attendance. She worked with Santa Clara Juneteenth Planning Committee to help plan and organize annual festivities. She enjoyed mentoring and helping develop our youths as a member of the African-American Community Service Agency to help plan and organize teen activities. She also worked with Santa Clara County's Youths at Risk Organization, for Chefs Who Cook for United Negro College Fund, and with Santa Clara Valley Urban Planning League (when prices for community meals were $15). Lastly, Lee was a proud member of the Elks Jade Temple 1294 and Eastern Star.

Lee never met a camera she didn't like...make sure you get her good side!